By: Reese Nasser

Cornerback Xavien Howard’s time with the Miami Dolphins is coming to an end. The former second-round pick is looking for a restructured contract and the Dolphins don’t seem willing to make it happen. 

Howard has proven to be one of the most elite cornerbacks in the NFL. His 2020 season was one of the best seasons for a corner in recent years. 

Howard’s presence would help improve any secondary in the NFL. He is a proven lockdown corner that teams are forced to avoid. In 2020, he was targeted 90 times. On those 90 targets, he came away with 10 interceptions and 20 passes defended. 

After signing a new deal in May of 2019, Howard became one of the league’s highest-paid corners. He is just now entering the second year of that extension. While Howard’s contract overall is one of the largest at his position, his annual pay falls right near the middle of the pack. Howard is due $12.1 million in 2021, which would make him the 11th highest paid corner this upcoming season. Howard believes he is worth more than that and wants a new deal. After also locking up cornerback Byron Jones, the Dolphins will have a hard time doing this. 

This is where the possibility of trade comes into play. If the Dolphins can’t figures out a way to make Howard happy, he won’t report to the team. Both sides seem intent on not budging. There are a few teams that could make the play to go after Howard if the Dolphins and he do seem to part ways. Let’s take a look at the possible landing spots for one of the league’s best corners. 

New Orleans Saints

A cornerback group of Xavien Howard, Marshon Lattimore, Patrick Robinson, and CJ Gardner-Johnson could be too much for the Saints to pass on. The secondary group has had its struggles and Howard would add much-needed depth. 

With both him and Lattimore on each side of the field, they could keep up with nearly any receiving duo in the NFL. Offenses would be forced to go after one of them, and that would be a tough task to deal with. 

A player of Howard’s level could be exactly what this defense needs. If this team hopes to stay competitive, especially in a division with a team like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have one of the league’s best receiving groups.  

The Saints future is very much in the air. They have questions on the offensive side of the ball and there is still no sign on who will be the QB1. But an elite defense can take a team far, even if they have an offense that struggles. New Orleans could create something special if they add a player like Howard.

Arizona Cardinals 

The Arizona Cardinals could be a much more intriguing landing spot for Howard. After losing Patrick Peterson to free agency, Arizona is missing a true lockdown corner. Howard could be that CB1 that every team looks for. 

Arizona added Malcolm Butler in free agency but outside of Butler, the group is somewhat unproven. Another proven veteran could be necessary to keep this group in games.

2019 second-round pick is currently the corner opposite of Butler. He struggled throughout last season, allowing 57 receptions on 82 targets.

Howard in this secondary would help handle the issue of secondary play. It would also allow Murphy to fall back into more of a relief role where he can step in when necessary. 

The Cardinals have put together a strong defense, with playmakers all over that side of the ball. Howard could prove to be the last piece needed to put it all together for Arizona. 

Los Angeles Chargers 

The Los Angeles Chargers could be a dark horse candidate to sign Howard. The Chargers biggest defensive weakness could arguably be their secondary group. Neither starter from last season performed at a high level. 

Howard would come to this team and be an instant upgrade. His ability to hold down an entire portion of the field is something that the Chargers have not had in their secondary. 

After a strong performance last year from the team as a whole, the Chargers could be putting together something special. But without an elite secondary, this team could not live up to their true potential. Howard could be what puts them over the edge.  

A secondary consisting of both Howard and safety Derwin James would be something that opposing offenses would have to be on the lookout for. 

The post Best Trade Destinations for Dolphins CB Xavien Howard appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jason Ferris

Contrary to popular belief, some of the most elite athletes in the NFL do not play on the offensive side of the ball. Sure players like Patrick Mahomes and DeAndre Hopkins showcase their athletic prowess weekly, but what about the silent assassins that are paid to shut them down? NFL cornerbacks are not just failed wide receivers. They are highly skilled technicians with a specific skill set that often gets overlooked. 

To support my rankings, I will of course be using statistics. The funny thing about stats, though, is that they can be twisted and shaped to fit pretty much any narrative. For example, if a cornerback is giving up a 95% completion rate to opposing quarterbacks, you probably would not be impressed with that stat. However, if I further stated that this cornerback was only being targeted twice per game, then it would not surprise you that his NFL team is paying him $20 million a year to do his thing.  The key to using stats effectively is to utilize a blend of them to ensure balance and accuracy in the evaluation. 

So what measurables are the best and most accurate? The defensive statistic that I have seen most often used when discussing cornerbacks is average yards given up per game. So I’ll start with that one. But I am also going to sprinkle an opponent quarterback’s completion percentage when targeting the specific cornerback as well as the quarterback’s rating (QBR) in those specific targeted throws. The last metric I am going to use is a combination of the ”˜eye test’ with play-making ability. Here I will be looking at the specific cornerback’s totals in these categories: interceptions, passes defended, forced fumbles, fumble recoveries, safeties, tackles. This last category not only allows for big play capabilities, in a roundabout way it measures total amount of playing time. Now what I have come up with is not a perfect mix of measurables by any means but at the very least, it provides a starting point for an intelligent discussion about who is the NFL’s best cornerback. Here is the list:

5. J.C. Jackson, New England Patriots

So here we are. I knew this was going to be a controversial pick the moment a buddy of mine told me that I had spelled Stephon Gilmore incorrectly. All eyerolls aside, and before you start hammering away on your keyboard there, hear me out. How Gilmore got a Pro Bowl nod over Jackson is beyond me. In his third season in the league, Jackson outperformed Gilmore by a wide margin. In 11 games, Jackson 14 passes defended, 9 interceptions, and 3 fumble recoveries. Gilmore managed 3, 1, and 1 respectively. Although Gilmore’s season was ended by injury, it seems as though Gilmore got elected to his fourth Pro-Bowl more out of reputation than actual performance.

In terms of our other metrics, Jackson crushed those as well. In terms of yards allowed per game, Jackson gave up a very respectable 43.2 yards allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete only 59.0% of their passes on 83 targets. The league average for quarterback completion percentage in 2020 was 65.2%. In terms of quarterback rating, Jackson limited opposing QBs to an exceptional 66.5, much lower than the NFL average of 93.6. After learning from the King for the past three years, the 25-year-old, undrafted as a rookie, has reached the upper echelon of the NFL’s elite cornerbacks.

4. Marlon Humphrey, Baltimore Ravens

When I think of the Baltimore Ravens, I think of a team that plays smash-mouth football on both sides of the ball. The stellar defense has always been a trademark of this team and this again proved true in 2020 as the Ravens were ranking #2 in overall defense. And with his second Pro-Bowl award in as many years, Marlon Humphrey is quickly making his way up the list of NFL’s best corner.

Humphrey was the most targeted cornerback on this list. Opposing quarterbacks took their shots Humphrey’s way a total of 106 times in 2020, completing 61.3% of their passes. That translated into a below-average QBR of 84.3 and 40.7 yards per game allowed. Where Humprey ruled them all, however, was in playmaking ability. Humphrey had 82 tackles, 11 passes defended, produced a league-high 8 forced fumbles, had 2.5 sacks, 1 interception, and scored on a safety. There is definitely a dynamic duo in the Ravens’ defensive backfield but it’s Humphrey, not Peters, that makes the list.

3. Jaire Alexander, Green Bay Packers

At times, the Green Bay Packers’ run defense looked lost. Yet somehow, the Mike Pettine’s squad managed to claw its way up to 13th in total defense in 2020. A huge part of that was the Pro-Bowl calibre play of third year cornerback Jaire Alexander.

Alexander was dominant. Quarterbacks tried their luck his way 80 times in 2020 and Alexander shut it down for an astonishing 25 yards per game allowed. That was second only to Jalen Ramsey of the Los Angeles Rams. He also allowed a stingy 51.3% completion rate holding quarterbacks to a rating of 67.4. This all on a 13-3 team that saw lots of teams try and claw their way back late in games passing the ball. Want some icing on the cake? Alexander also had 13 passes defended, 51 tackles, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, and both a sack and a safety. It is safe to say he did it all.

2. Jalen Ramsey, Los Angeles Rams

When the Los Angeles Rams pried Jalen Ramsey away from the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019, they knew that they were getting the league’s most dominant shutdown corner. The 26-year-old was selected to his fourth Pro-Bowl and second First-Team All-Pro in 2020. Ramsey takes care of his business year in and year out and was a huge part in helping the Los Angeles Rams become the NFL’s best defensive unit in 2020. 

Quarterbacks did their very best to avoid Ramsey’s side of the field in 2020. He saw the lowest target volume of any of the corners on this list. Ramsey allowed a meager 50.7% completion rate on 71 targets. Opposing quarterbacks combined for a poor 68.1 QBR against Ramsey,  who gave up the fewest touchdowns on the list with two. His 23 yards per game allowed were the second-fewest in the league. 

In terms of big plays, Ramsey was there when called upon. He made 44 tackles, defended 9 passes, had 1 interception, and basically shut down an entire defensive side of the field for the Rams. There is nothing that Ramsey cannot do at the position and that will be evident one day when he is awarded his gold jacket in Canton, Ohio. 

1. Xavien Howard, Miami Dolphins

In 2018, Xavien Howard led the NFL with 7 interceptions and 12 passes defended on his way to his first Pro-Bowl. A knee injury in 2019 limited Howard to a disappointing 5 games played with not really much to talk about. But after some extensive rehabbing, Howard set his sights on getting back his crown as the league’s most dominant cornerback.

NFL quarterbacks definitely took their shots at Howard during the 2020 season but with little success. When targeting Howard, quarterbacks completed an abysmal 51.5% of their passes in 101 attempts. That led to a 48.3 QBR, way below the league average. And considering all the action that went Howard’s way, his 44.9 yards per game allowed is commendable. 

Howard was king of the big plays in 2020. His 10 interceptions and 20 passes defended lead the league, and he added 51 tackles and a forced fumble. The 27-year-old was named to his second Pro-Bowl and first First-Team All-Pro. Howard has now tallied 22 interceptions, 191 tackles, and 55 passes defended in just 56 games. We won’t say Canton yet, but Howard, right now, is the best shutdown corner in the game.

The post Top 5 CBs in the NFL: Who is number one? appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Stephon Gilmore is a well reputable cornerback of the New England Patriots whose name has been floating around in trade discussions for the last year. Gilmore was the recipient of the defensive player of the year award in 2019, which will make his stock in the trade market very high. This article will break down the most likely destinations for this great corner.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars are attempting to build themselves a strong young team, but even youth needs its wisdom and Gilmore would be great as that wisdom. The Jaguars are practically bathing in cap room and are in desperate need at just about every position, including cornerback. Additionally, the Jaguars have many high picks in 2021 and 2022 that they could theoretically use as bait to lure the Patriots.

The Jaguars’ four best corners are a pretty sorry group. Shaquill Griffin, the best of the group by far, is a former Seahawks corner that signed a pretty big multi-year deal with the Jaguars, but free agent signings are very hit or miss so we will see. Next up on the depth chart is D.J. Hayden, one of the many draft busts of 2017; Sidney Jones who the Eagles desperately held on to much longer than they needed to, and Tre Herndon who has been a middling backup for three seasons. The Jags also have C.J. Henderson, a rookie who had an down first year with Jacksonville.

Gilmore makes sense on this team, and the Jaguars would be wise to spend a pick on him instead of trying to develop these other unproven players thus far.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals in my opinion had one of the worst offseason signings when they overpaid for Chidobe Awuzie, and the lack of depth behind Awuzie plus the departure of William Jackson III in free agency means that the Bengals are now in depserate need of a corner in a division that has Big Ben, Baker Mayfield, and former MVP Lamar Jackson. The Bengals have plenty of cap room and picks to spare, so why not give Gilmore a roster spot?

The Bengals backup cornerbacks are Trae Waynes who was also overpaid in free agency and missed the entirity of the 2020, Eli Apple who has effectively been declared a bust, and Mike Hilton who while he had a good season in Pittsburgh, is still very much a young, unproven player.

The Bengals’ free agency is likely not going to help them out too much, and if I were them I would want to secure as many “sure thing” assets as I could before delving into the unpredictability of the Draft.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are about two or three players away from being a serious competitor in the NFC, but the departure of Patrick Peterson needs to be filled by somebody more competent than Malcolm Butler and Robert Alford. Bringing Gilmore in is going to bring a lot of strength and depth to the Cardinals’ defense, and might ensure that they are a playoff candidate in 2021 assuming Gilmore’s play is up to snuff.

The Cardinals’ secondary has been struggling for a few years, especially amidst declining play and whispers of a trade with their longtime starter Patrick Peterson.

The Cardinals are extremely close as a strong reliable team that can make the playoffs and even make the Super Bowl if all breaks well. If they were to trade Gilmore then their chances will be considerably higher.

The post Three Potential Trade Destinations for Stephon Gilmore appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Adam Martin

The New England Patriots have been in a little slump after Tom Brady left for Tampa Bay. They now look to be rebuilding in order to make a comeback and one player they can get value from is Stephon Gilmore. Gilmore was the defensive player of the year in 2019 and is a four time pro-bowler. He also won the Superbowl back in 2018 and at the age of 30 is one of the most experienced corners in the league. With that in mind, we look at some potential candidates to trade for Stephon Gilmore in order to improve their team.

San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers are a team that are defiantly in win now mode. It was only two years ago that they lost the Superbowl and they can get back there quickly. Last year they were decimated by injuries and this now gives them a massive opportunity to pick some good players in the draft. However, you do need the experience to go with the rookie picks and Stephon Gilmore would be a great choice. Currently, the 49er’s have got $23m of cap space available to use and Gilmore’s estimated value is around $9-10m a year.

Not only can the 49ers afford Gilmore, they also need a corner to replace the outgoing Richard Sherman. Although Sherman has not been as solid as he has been in the past, he will still leave a whole in the defense. Gilmore is exactly the type of player that the 49ers should be looking to acquire in order to win a Superbowl. Another reason for this to happen is that the 49er’s also have something that the Patriots want. With the 49er’s looking to move on from Jimmy Garoppolo and the Patriots wanting him, a trade is more likely to happen.

This is also a very attractive option for Gilmore given the 49er’s ability to compete. He is currently in New England who are not in a position to compete at the moment. Therefore a move to San Francisco would be an attractive option to him. The only downside to this move is that he would have to move across the country. Although this might not seem like a big deal he has spent five years in Buffalo and four in New England. If he is up for the move and the 49er’s are happy to pay around a second round pick then this could be a great move for everyone.

Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts are another team who need to be looking for another high quality cornerback. There defense is very good and finished as the third best defense in the 20/21 season. However, one area that they do need some help is at the cornerback position. The Colts do have a quality corner in Xavier Rhodes but that is about as good as it gets. By bringing in a stud corner like Stephon Gilmore to play on the other side would be a massive statement by the Colts.

The Colts still have plenty of cap space so bringing in Gilmore wont be a problem. They currently have $44m of cap space so even if they did bring in Gilmore they would still have plenty of money left over. They also have the draft capital available in order to bring him in. The Patriots were after a first round pick last year but they may have to settle for a second and the Colts could do that.

For Gilmore this would be a very good move for him as he moves towards the end of his career. Not only do the Colts have a strong defense but they also have a strong overall team. They made it to the Wildcard round this year but with a few extra pieces they could get further over the next few years. Indianapolis have the potential to be genuine Superbowl contenders so this would be a great move for everyone concerned.

Washington Football Team

The Washington Football Team are another team that are in need of a quality cornerback. In a similar story to the Indianapolis Colts, Washington are a very good defense but they are weaker at the corner position. They have a great front seven which helped them to becoming the sixth best defense in the NFL last year. However, although they are talented they are a young and unexperienced group who could do with that extra experience. Gilmore is exactly the type of player who could do that and make them even stronger defensively.

The cap is not a concern when it comes to Washington as they currently have $54m to spend if they want to. With Gilmore estimated to cost around $9-10m a year they can make this deal happen easily. Also, thy would still have around $44m left which means they could use that to improve their offence. They have draft picks in the first and second rounds for this years draft so compensating the Patriots wont be a problem either. Washington might not be as big a contender as the other two teams mentioned but they do look decent. If they could improve their offence and bring in Gilmore this team could improve rapidly.

Others

There are other teams who might be able to make a trade happen as their are a lot of teams needing a cornerback. The New York Jets are a team that need improvement all over the team. They have plenty of money available and the draft picks to trade for him. However, he is 30 and it feels like the Jets are in a full rebuild so might not want to spend so much on an ageing corner.

The Cleveland Browns looked good this year but could do with that extra experience in the team. If they wanted to trade for Gilmore they would have the picks to do it and also they have players that the Patriots would like. They did well without Odell Beckham so maybe that could be a potential move.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are another team who have plenty of money and draft capital to make this move happen. The Jags have the money and potential franchise QB to turn this around very quickly. However, like the New York Jets they are in a full rebuild and it would be surprising to see them go for Gilmore even though they can.

The post Who should trade for Stephon Gilmore? appeared first on Pro Football Mania.